Chapter 16: The President Was Astonished

Xiao Banxia did not refuse to purchase these two pieces of jewelry. Unlike clothing, shoes, and bags, jewelry is not a purely consumable item; it can be worn for a long time, and both pieces were carefully chosen by her, possessing considerable potential for appreciation. In a sense, it's both a consumption and an investment.

After shopping, as they returned to the car, Xiao Banxia exclaimed with delight, "That was so satisfying! Being able to buy whatever I like feels amazing—this is the most enjoyable shopping experience I've ever had."

"Today we’re not just going to shop happily, we’re going to eat happily too. Old Zhao, let’s head to Tan Family Cuisine," Xiao Yao said, equally happy. Being able to see his sister so joyful—that, to him, was the greatest value of spending money.

The thought of soon tasting the legendary Tan Family Cuisine filled Xiao Banxia with anticipation. "I’ve been studying and working in the capital for six years now, and I’ve heard the name Tan Family Cuisine so many times my ears have grown calluses. But it’s always been too expensive for us to afford. Today, I can finally satisfy my craving. I wonder if it's really as good as they say?"

"This meal was specially arranged by Housekeeper Lu—not prepared by a junior chef. The third-generation heir of Tan Family Cuisine is in charge today. Even if it's not as extraordinary as the legend, I think it’ll be close," Xiao Yao said. Having inherited Pan Wu’s memories, he was now a top-tier gourmet, and his standards for food had become even higher.

So many people flock to Tan Family Cuisine every day, but it’s rare for the third-generation heir or the fourth-generation head chef to cook personally. Although Pan Wu was no longer around, his connections remained. To ensure the young master tasted an authentic Tan Family meal, Housekeeper Lu had put in a special request.

After getting out of the car, the siblings walked toward the main hall, chatting and laughing.

At the entrance, Xiao Banxia unexpectedly ran into two acquaintances—her immediate superior, Director Tian from the Marketing Department, and the company’s top boss, both standing at the door.

Seeing her leaders, Xiao Banxia hurriedly took a few quick steps forward and greeted them: "President Wang, Director Tian, what a coincidence to meet you here! Are you waiting for guests?"

President Wang was the company’s Asia-Pacific CEO, always busy. He found Xiao Banxia’s face vaguely familiar but couldn’t place her name. Director Tian, her direct supervisor, naturally recognized such a capable subordinate.

Director Tian had always assumed Xiao Banxia came from an ordinary background, but seeing her outfit today overturned his previous impression. From head to toe, she wore top brands—her ensemble couldn’t have cost less than a hundred thousand yuan. Of course, the most eye-catching thing was the necklace around her neck: a diamond the size of a dove egg, so dazzling it was almost blinding. By his estimation, the price had to be at least one million.

So Xiao Banxia, who usually kept such a low profile, actually came from a wealthy family. Realizing this, Director Tian was somewhat surprised. He smiled and said, "It really is a coincidence! Is this distinguished gentleman beside you your boyfriend? Aren’t you going to introduce him?"

"You’ve misunderstood," Xiao Banxia quickly explained. "This is my younger brother, Xiao Yao."

She introduced him: "This is Mr. Wang Chuanjie, our company’s CEO, and Director Tian Yongfeng, my boss from the Marketing Department."

"Nice to meet you, President Wang, Director Tian."

After shaking hands with each of them, Xiao Yao said sincerely, "My sister can be a bit impatient by nature. If there’s anything she doesn’t do well at work, I hope you’ll look after her."

"Our marketing department likes people like Banxia—bold, decisive, and highly capable. She doesn’t need any special care to thrive in the company," Director Tian said, not hesitating to praise her in front of her family.

"You know me best, Director Tian. I, Xiao Banxia, have always been about strength and action. My brother just likes to worry too much," Xiao Banxia replied, her bold personality shining through even in front of her superiors.

"President Wang, Director Tian, since fate has brought us together, why not share a table today? Allow me to treat you," Xiao Yao offered politely.

Director Tian declined with a smile, "We appreciate the invitation, but today we’re entertaining company clients. It wouldn’t be convenient to join you. Let’s find another time to get together."

"Alright—next time, you must give me the honor," Xiao Yao replied.

After the siblings left, Wang Chuanjie remarked, "Who knew you had such a big fish hiding in your marketing department! You’ve never mentioned her before."

"Xiao Banxia has been with the company for two years and always kept a low profile, dressing quite plainly. If not for this chance encounter, I’d never have guessed her family was so well off," Tian Yongfeng explained.

Wang Chuanjie shook his head. "You’re underestimating those two. Their background is more than just 'well off.'"

"Seems my judgment is lacking. But honestly, I couldn’t see anything else remarkable," Tian replied.

Wang Chuanjie said, "Never mind the designer brands—the important thing is that young man, Xiao Yao. The watch he’s wearing is worth twenty-three million yuan. That Patek Philippe is one of only three in the world—not something an ordinary person could own."

"A watch worth over twenty million? I didn’t even notice! They must be from an exceptional family," Tian said in astonishment.

"The watch is precious, but compared to the jade Guanyin pendant on that young man’s neck, it’s nothing."

"You have a sharp eye. I noticed that jade pendant looked extraordinary, but I know little about jewelry. I couldn’t estimate its value."

"My wife is a jewelry appraiser, so I’ve picked up a bit myself," Wang explained.

"Even if you’re not a professional, you must be half an expert. What do you think that pendant is worth?" Tian’s curiosity was piqued.

"I didn’t get a close look, so I can’t be sure, but his Guanyin pendant appears to be glass-type jadeite, at least high-ice grade. The lower part, representing the sea, is a pure azure blue, while the Guanyin figure is an unmistakable vibrant green. The carving is exquisite—if it’s glass-type, its value is beyond estimation; three to five hundred million would not be surprising. Even if it’s just high-ice, it’s worth at least a hundred million," Wang said.

Though not a professional appraiser, Wang Chuanjie’s knowledge of jadeite was expert-level. To an enthusiast like him, a pendant of such rarity was irresistibly tempting.

"Anyone who can casually wear a jadeite pendant worth over a hundred million around their neck—do you think they’re ordinary people?" Wang’s eyes grew thoughtful.